Wish List: Connection & Engagement
What's on your holiday wish list? Sure, we can all think of the latest, greatest material items that would be fabulous to have. However, research shows that as humans, most of us crave connection more than anything else. True, meaningful engagement with other people triggers positive emotions, tapping into love, joy, happiness and contentment. This year, consider intentional engagement as you think about what you want to give, and what you want to receive. Listening, without thinking about what you are going to say next, is a powerful way of saying "I value you, I respect you and I want to hear your thoughts". What a gift that is. Below are a few conversation topics sure to get things going.
2018 in review: What were the best things that happened to you, or for you, in 2018? What did you learn about yourself through those times? What things could have gone better and what did you learn from those experiences?
Looking ahead to 2019: What are 2-3 things you are committed to doing more of in 2019? Why? When will you start? What's your big ass hairy goal (BAG) for 2019 and what are 3 things you will do starting in January to get there? What will it mean for you to accomplish your BAG? What's one thing you want to learn to do in 2019? Name one place you plan to visit for the first time ever in 2019.
What are you most looking forward to in the foreseeable future and why?
If you didn't have to work (or go to school), how would you spend your day on a regular basis? How can you do more of that now?
Which friend/acquaintance do you want to be more like? Why?
Who needs your forgiveness? Are you ready to give it? If not now, when? Studies show that forgiveness often benefits the "forgiver" even more than the "forgiven". What do you need to be forgiven for? Consider forgiving yourself.
Name 2 people you greatly admire - one that you know very well and one that you do not know personally but wish you did. What is it about each that you admire? How many traits do you have in common with them? Which of their traits do you want to develop more fully for yourself?
What do you want your contribution to the world to be? Why? How are you doing on that? What steps can you take today? Next week? Next month?
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to All!